Mt. Kenya fire out, but consumed 10 pct of forest

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) – Kenyan officials say fires that have been raging across Mount Kenya over the last week consumed 10 percent of the mountain’s forest before the flames were extinguished.

The Kenya Wildlife Service said Friday that logs are still smoldering on the mountain, but that no fires are active.

Wildlife officials said the fires on Mount Kenya were caused by “arsonists with ill intentions.” Officials said previously that fires could have been set intentionally to help poachers escape after an attack.

Big mammals that live on the mountain _ like elephants and buffalos _ moved away from the flames and were not harmed. But the wildlife service said many smaller animals likely died.

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